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Conscience, the sense of right, the power of perceiving…

“Conscience, the sense of right, the power of perceiving moral distinctions, the power of discerning between justice and injustice, excellence and baseness, is the highest faculty given us by God, the whole foundation of our responsibility, and our sole capacity for religion. ...God, in giving us…” quote by William Ellery Channing
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“Conscience, the sense of right, the power of perceiving moral distinctions, the power of discerning between justice and injustice, excellence and baseness, is the highest faculty given us by God, the whole foundation of our responsibility, and our sole capacity for religion. ...God, in giving us conscience, has implanted a principle within us which forbids us to prostrate ourselves before mere power, or to offer praise where we do not discover worth.”

William Ellery Channing

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Conscience is a divine gift that guides moral judgment, preventing us from worshipping power over truth.

In simple terms: Conscience guides right from wrong.

Key Takeaway

Listen to your inner moral compass.

Themes

morality spirituality responsibility

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical religious

When to use this quote

  • personal decisions
  • political leadership
  • social activism

Key Concepts

theology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you discern true conscience from personal bias?
  • What role does faith play in your moral decisions?
A Different Perspective

Conscience can be clouded by bias or fear.

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